Thai mourners gather to bid farewell to Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Bangkok, June 13 (EFE).- Crowds of mourners dressed in black gathered Saturday around Bangkok’s Grand Palace to pay tribute to Thailand’s late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Thai mourners attend a royal funeral bathing ceremony for the late Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 June 2026. EFE/EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

Her royal remains were to be transferred from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace at 3.30pm local time, a day after her death at the age of 47 was officially announced.

Attendees arrived in the early hours of the morning to participate in Buddhist rituals and bid farewell to the princess, affectionately known as Bha or Patty, who passed away on Thursday night after more than three years in hospital.

Citizens, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and officials, participated in traditional royal bathing rites in front of a portrait of the princess throughout the morning. Many expressed their sadness at the loss of a highly regarded figure within the Thai monarchy.

On Friday, the Royal Household Bureau reported that the princess died due to the progressive deterioration of her health caused by an abdominal infection.

«His Majesty the King has issued a decree instructing the Royal Household to arrange the funeral with the highest honors,» it said, adding that the princess’ remains would be transferred to the Grand Palace.

Authorities warned of major traffic disruptions along the procession route and reinforced security measures around the palace complex, one of the main tourist spots in the Thai capital.

A Thai woman mourns while holding a photograph of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn (R) and his daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha (L) following the announcement of her death at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, 12 June 2026. EFE/EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

The princess had been in hospital since December 2022, after she fell unconscious while training her dogs in Nakhon Ratchasima, 250 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. According to the official statement, the princess lost consciousness due to a mycoplasma infection that caused inflammation of the heart and an irregular heartbeat.

In May, the Royal Household Bureau reported that the princess’ condition had “deteriorated” and she was suffering from “a severe and uncontrolled infection, which is interfering with the functions of several vital organ systems,” in the seventh medical report issued since her admission to the hospital.

«Despite the close and diligent care provided by the medical team, her condition progressively worsened until Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:48pm, when she passed away,» Friday’s statement said.

The princess was born on Dec. 7, 1978, the only child of King Vajiralongkorn and his first wife and cousin Princess Soamsawali, from whom he divorced in 1991.

After her father’s accession to the throne in 2016, she took a more prominent role in royal ceremonies and events, and was widely seen as a top contender to be next in line to the throne.

Holding two graduate law degrees from Cornell University in the United States and a degree in international relations, the princess, a keen equestrian, also studied at some of the most elite schools in England and Thailand.

In addition, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012-2014 and held several positions representing the country at the United Nations. She is also known for her work with women in the penal system. EFE

Thai mourners pour water during a royal funeral bathing ceremony for the late Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 June 2026. EFE/EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

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